Guidance For Specifiers of Control and Indicating Equipment

Guidance
Note
Guidance for Specifiers of Control

and Indicating Equipment
FIA Guidance Document – Guidance for Specifiers of Control
and Indicating Equipment
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................... 3
2. COMPLIANCE............................................................................................... 4
3. G UIDANCE ON SELECTION OF EN 54-2 OPTIONS
WITH REQUIREMENTS................................................................................ 5
4. GUIDANCE ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF BS 5839-1........................ 9

5. EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION......................................... 11
6. OTHER STANDARDS.................................................................................. 13
7. BAFE & LPCB INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEMES.............. 14
8. GLOSSARY.................................................................................................. 15
9. REFERENCES.............................................................................................. 15
Guidance for Specifiers of Control and Indicating Equipment • Version 1 • July 2020 • Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 5002 • www.fia.uk.com
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1. INTRODUCTION
In Europe, products used in fire alarm systems must comply with a number of directives and
regulations; the directives are implemented into national legislation while regulations apply
directly without translation into national law.
Product/Component Installation/System
Legislation Construction Products • In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Regulation (CPR) Safety) Order 2005 (Abbreviation: FSO)
For further information on the • In Scotland the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in
CPR refer to the FIA Guidance conjunction with the Fire Safety (Scotland)
Document: EU Construction Regulations 2006
Products Regulation 305/2011
• In Northern Ireland the Fire and Rescue Services
(Northern Ireland) Order 2006 in combination with
the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
These laws identify the person with duties or
responsibilities and requires a risk assessment to
determine what is required to provide fire protection
that is suitable and adequate
Standards EN 54 Series, EN 1155, EN BS 5839-1, BS 5839-6, BS 5839-8, BS 5839-9 and BS
12094-1 7273 series
Proof of Declaration of Performance A BS 5839-1 commissioning certificate is
conformity (DoP) supported by a Certificate evidence that an installation complies with the
of Constancy of Performance recommendations of BS 5839-1
(CoP) from a Notified Body
Although there is no legal requirement for service
Certificates of Conformity (CoC) providers to be certified, using a certified service
were previously issued from a provider is recommended and shows due diligence in
Notified Body under the CPD complying with legislation
and are still valid in support of a
BAFE SP203 and LPS 1204 are examples of
DoP under the CPR
certification schemes
Note 1: Products cannot be certified to show conformity with an installation standard or

code of practice. It is not possible to state that a product complies with BS 5839-1.
However, BS 5839-1 does recommend some features that may not be present on all
CIE. These have been identified below.
Note 2: The commentary of BS 5839-1, 11.1 states that, ‘Compliance of an individual
component with a recognized standard does not necessarily ensure that it will
operate satisfactorily in conjunction with another component that conforms
to the relevant standard for that component. It is essential that compatibility
between components is taken into account by the designer of the system. BS EN
54-13 can be used to confirm system compatibility.’ This is commentary and not a
recommendation, EN 54-13 is only one way to show system compatibility, others
may also be suitable.
Note 3: Other installation codes might also be considered acceptable, e.g. NFPA 72 or
HTM 05-03 Part B.
Note 4: The Construction Products Regulation is under review at time of writing, therefore,
some details may change.
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2. COMPLIANCE
Fire alarm systems are electrical systems and as such must comply with UK Law. Applicable
UK Law comes from the Low Voltage Directive(LVD) (for electrical safety) SI 2016-1101, the
EMC Directive (EMCD) (for operational reliability and coexistence with other equipment and
systems) SI 2016-1091 and Construction Product Regulations (CPR) (for safety performance)
SI 2013-1387. Particular devices may have to comply with further legislation, depending on
their function and their application. For example, the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
SI 2017-1206 and devices located in hazardous areas (ATEX) SI 2016-1107.
Compliance with these regulations is demonstrated by manufacturers and suppliers, by
marking the products with a CE mark and making available a Declaration of Conformance
(DoC), and a Declaration of Performance (DoP). The LVD and the EMCD only require
manufacturers to self-declare compliance, having appropriately assessed their products,
but the CPR requires that products must be third-party assessed to appropriate harmonised
European Standards.
The appropriate standards for fire alarm systems are the EN 54 series and EN 12094-1.
The manufacturer’s documentation, along with the Declaration of Performance (DoP)
should identify the specific features and performance levels that have been assessed for
the equipment in question. It is possible for a product to comply with a standard, but not
be appropriate for a specific application, and the detail of this should be clearly recorded in
the DoP.
Some products are not covered by harmonised standards, but national or insurance
standards might exist, and these can be used as a way of demonstrating performance and
quality. Where no standards exist for equipment, it is recommended that some form of
independent assessment is made, i.e. a European Technical Assessment, (ETA) for products
coming under the CPR. Draft standards could be used as part of an ETA.
Examples of products where no specific harmonised standard currently exist are repeater
panels, video fire detectors and remote indicators. Some other products are covered by
harmonised standards, but custom and practice is such that alternative technical solutions
are often provided, e.g. remote signalling equipment to alarm receiving centres.
Buildings must comply with the building regulations and must be operated under the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (or equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland) and
as such, a suitable risk assessment is required.
Appropriate competent skills must be accessed to ensure that the risk assessment is
sufficient, particularly where some requirements may fall outside normal custom
and practice.
For example, some repeater panels might be essential for fire safety and therefore must
have a high level of system integrity, (EN 54-13 component Type 1), whereas other repeaters
might only be used for convenience and so a lower level of integrity, (EN 54-13 component
Type 2) is acceptable.
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3. GUIDANCE ON SELECTION OF EN 54-2 OPTIONS WITH REQUIREMENTS
EN 54-2 is the harmonised standard for control and indicating equipment (CIE). In the EN 54-
2:1997+A1:2006 version of the standard, some functional features of the CIE are described
as an ‘option with requirements’. This provision was made to allow for the variation of
functional requirements in the different regions of Europe. It also allows for flexibility in the
provision of functions depending on the intended application. It is important to understand
the requirements of an application so that the correct ‘option with requirements’ (OwR) may
be specified. If an option is required, then it is important that this function is included in the
product’s independent third-party assessment and certification. If features are provided that
are not specified in EN 54-2, these are only acceptable if they do not jeopardise compliance
with the standard.
EN 54-2 Annex B lists the optional features and these should be listed in the documentation
provided for specific products, (see EN 54-2, 12.2.1 a). The following table identifies the
specific features listed and when they might be used. This table can be used to help identify
the OwR that should be specified for a CIE to match the intended purpose of a FD&A system
to the particular application.
TITLE CLAUSE APPLICATION ADDITIONAL NOTES

Indications
Fault signals from 8.3 Not a recommendation of Can be useful in providing information for
points BS 5839-1 ongoing maintenance. The absence of a fault
indication shows not only that a device is
connected but that it is working correctly.
Not available on non-addressable CIE but is
normally provided by analogue addressable
CIE
Total loss of power 8.4 Not a recommendation of An additional power supply (usually a primary
BS 5839-1 battery) is used to indicate for 1 hour when
both the mains and the standby battery have
Note: T his option is
failed
normally only
required in France
Alarm counter 7.13 Not a recommendation of This is a non-resettable counter that shows
BS 5839-1 the total number of system activations (fire).
This can be very useful in implementing a false
alarm reduction strategy
Dependency on 7.12.1 Also called coincidence The fire panel does not go into alarm until two
more than one alarm detection. BS 5839‑1 fire signals are received from one detector
signal. Type A identifies this as a or two detectors in the same zone. This is
possible tool for false suitable for reducing unwanted alarms from
alarm reduction unoccupied premises
Dependency on 7.12.2 Also called coincidence Similar to type A, but the confirmation
more than one alarm detection. BS 5839‑1 signal can come from a detector in another
signal. Type B identifies this as a zone. This is sometimes used to operate
possible tool for false extinguishing systems as well as reducing
alarm reduction unwanted alarms
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‑
Controls
Dependency on 7.12.3 Also called coincidence Type C allows the fire signal to come from a
more than one alarm detection. BS 5839‑1 manual call point as well as a fire detector. In
signal. Type C identifies this as a this case the panel goes into alarm, but the
possible tool for false operation of outputs may be inhibited until a
alarm reduction second signal is received. This could be used
in an occupied premises, where staff are able
to confirm the existence of a fire before calling
the fire and rescue service (FRS)
Delays to outputs 7.11 BS 5839-1 identifies this Further details of this feature are given in EN
as a possible tool for false 54-2 Annex E. This is similar to 7.12.3 above
alarm reduction in that it can be used to reduce false alarms in
occupied premises but instead of a second fire
signal a timer is used to allow a set maximum
period of time for staff to identify whether
the alarm is genuine or not. The delay is
overridden on the operation of a manual call
point
Disablement of each 9.5 Not a recommendation of This optional function will only be available
address point BS 5839-1 on an addressable CIE. EN 54-2 is written from
the point of view that as a minimum, functions
are controlled by the relevant zone. However,
with addressable systems it can be useful to
put the control at the specific device rather
than the zone and this option relates to the
disablement (switching off) of specific devices
Test Condition 10 Not a recommendation The test condition allows a fire alarm system
of BS 5839-1, but to be tested zone by zone without putting the
BS 5839-1 does full system into alarm and without activation
recommend that the of the alarm, routing or fire protection outputs
alarm system is tested
It therefore reduces disruption during regular
and maintained. A system
testing and is particularly useful in larger
of maintenance is also a
systems
legal requirement under
the FSO
Outputs
Fire alarm device(s) 7.8 BS 5839-1 recommends This option includes non-addressable alarm
this for life safety circuits used to power alarm devices from the
systems. However, panel or addressable alarm devices connected
alarm outputs may not to an addressable detection circuit
be required in some
property protection
systems
Output to fire alarm 7.9.1 Required for systems with This output is used to operate a transmission
routing equipment a connection to an alarm device which sends an automatic signal to an
receiving centre (ARC). ARC. BS 5839‑1 offers advice with respect to
BS 5839-1 recommends which type of system is appropriate and also
this for property recommends that a manual call is also made
protection systems and using a telephone. EN 54-21 specifies the
residential care premises equipment that is used for transmission of the
signal to an ARC
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Alarm routing 7.9.2 Required in some This facility provides a visual signal on the fire
equipment European countries, panel to confirm that the signal got to the ARC
confirmation signal e.g. Germany, but not rather than indicating that it was sent. It does
normally available in not necessarily mean that the fire and rescue
the UK service has responded and is on its way
Automatic fire 7.10.1 Type A is an output This output might be used for an interface
protection equipment only one or more such with an extinguishing system, fire door control,
type A outputs may be required fire dampers, smoke curtains or to lifts and
to interface to different HVAC systems where a fire signal is needed
types of fire protection
For type A, the output stays active while
equipment or to a control
the system is in the fire condition and is not
system that subsequently
turned off when alarms are silenced. However,
controls the different
EN 54-2 makes no reference to the operational
items of equipment. BS
requirements of BS 7273 or EN 14637 or
5839- 1 makes reference
other appropriate codes. Where the fire
to this and also refers to
protection equipment or system is covered by
appropriate standards
an equipment standard it should be certified
as being in compliance with that standard. EN
54-2 covers details such as speed of operation,
disablements, indications etc
Automatic fire 7.10.2 Same as type A As type A above
protection equipment above, but includes
type B a requirement for
indication of operation of
the output
Automatic fire 7.10.3 Same as type A above, As type A above
protection equipment but also includes a
type C confirmation indication
returned from the fire
protection equipment
control. This might be
confirmation that the
signal has been received
or that the equipment
has operated
Monitoring of 7.10.4 An indication on the fire The minimum is a single indication for all
automatic fire alarm panel indicates fire protection equipment control, but a
protection equipment faults from the fire manufacturer might have provision for
protection equipment multiple outputs
control
Fault Warning routing 8.9 This is a recommendation The fault signal from the fire alarm system
equipment of BS 5839-1 where the is sent to the ARC so that someone can be
standby duration would informed that there is a fault, particularly a
have to be extended power fault
beyond 72 hours to
ensure that a system
continues operation
over a period of non-
occupation such as a
weekend
Standardized I/O 11 Not a recommendation of See EN 54-2 Annex G for more information
interface BS 5839-1
This interface is required in some countries to
interface to a fireman’s panel or similar display
unit
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Several of the features in the above table are useful in the reduction of false alarms. The
FIA website has a section dedicated to providing information to help in the reduction of
false alarms, including information on new technologies that might be useful in specific
applications.
There are other optional features that are allowed within EN 54-2. For example, a
manufacturer can choose whether to use separate light emitting indicators to show the
status of the system or whether to use an alpha-numeric display. Either are permitted in
BS 5839-1, but if an alpha-numeric display is used then a separate zonal indication is also
required to meet the recommendations of BS 5839-1 clause 23.2.2c.
The power supply for the fire alarm system is usually integrated in the fire alarm panel for
smaller systems, but larger systems often have separate power supplies. EN 54-2 and BS
5839-1 have specific requirements where the power supply is remote from the control and
indicating equipment.
4. GUIDANCE ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF BS 5839-1

In addition to the options with requirements specified in EN 54-2, BS 5839-1 also makes
specific recommendations for features which might not be met by all fire alarm systems.
The list below is not exhaustive but does describe those features which are commonly
overlooked. As these features are not specified in the product standard EN 54-2, it is not
possible for manufacturers to gain any form of independent approval for these features;
compliance can only be determined by a manufacturer’s declaration and inspection of the
supplied documentation.
DESCRIPTION BS 5839-1 ADDITIONAL NOTES
Zonal fire display 23.2.2c A separate light emitting indication of fire should be
provided for each zone in the system on or near the CIE
or repeater panel. See above
Duplicated sounder 12.2.2j In the event of a fault on an alarm circuit, at least one
circuit alarm device near the CIE should continue to operate.
This is usually achieved by providing at least two
independent circuits, but could also be provided on an
analogue addressable system through two sounders
separated by isolators
Response to the 20.2b When a manual call point is operated the alarm devices
operation of a in the vicinity of the call point should operate within 3
manual call point seconds. This is easy for a non-addressable system but
can be quite challenging for an addressable system and
specifically EN 54-2 allows up to 10 seconds and this has
been acknowledged in BS 5839-1, which says that this
may be an acceptable variation
SELV power supply 29.1 BS 7671 requires that if live parts can be touched without
the use of a special tool, then the live parts must be extra
low voltage and the power supply must comply with SELV
requirements. If the power supply is not designed to
comply with SELV the ELV should be treated as if it were
LV, so as to maintain electrical safety
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System compatibility 11.1 The designer of the fire alarm system must ensure that
the system components of the fire alarm system are
compatible. One way of achieving this is by testing the
system in accordance with EN 54-13. The importance of
this is to ensure that the system operates correctly at
all extremes of loading, temperature and power supply
limits
Radio-linked fire 27 BS 5839-1 requires that radio components comply with
alarm systems EN 54-25. It also identifies a series of requirements that
should be met by the fire alarm system. In particular,
each component should have a dual power supply. If a
component is powered by a primary battery it should be
supplied with two batteries – the idea being that if one
fails, the other will continue to operate. This exceeds the
requirements of EN 54-25 which allows a single primary
battery, so long as it fails in a predictable manner at end
of life. A variation should be raised if system components
utilize single primary batteries
Other devices Various BS 5839-1 makes recommendations for the use of items
of equipment in specific situations, such as tactile alarm
devices, radio pagers. Some of these devices are not
specifically covered by equipment standards in the EN
54 series and in some cases no published standards
exist (e.g. video fire detectors). In these cases, the
specifier is dependent on a manufacturer’s declaration
that the equipment complies with all appropriate
Directives and also the recommendations of BS 5839-1
where appropriate. An ETA (see above) gives additional
assurance of compliance. BS 5839-1 Annex E gives
guidance on the recording and selection of fire detectors
Evacuation control 14,16,18,19, 20, 23 Many buildings simply evacuate the whole building in the
event of fire being detected. However, for some buildings
this is not possible or practical. BS 5839-1 addresses
some of these issues and the recommendations should
be complied with or variations should identify any area
of noncompliance and the variation should be approved
by all interested parties
System integrity 12 BS 5839-1 has many recommendations intended to
ensure that the system remains as operational as
possible in the event of faults or damage to system
components. The supplier of the system should ensure
that all of these requirements are met, or if any
recommendation is not met then these are identified
as variations and agreed by all interested parties.
Specifically, in the event of a single fault, no more than
2000m2 of detection area should be lost and in the event
of two faults no more than 10,000m2
Interfaces to system components should be selected to
monitor for fault and fire where appropriate, specifically
where auxiliary power supplies are used
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Alarm zones 14 Alarm zone, where different alarm signals must be sent
to separate parts of the building at the same time, are
described in BS 5839-1. For example, so that one part
of a building evacuates and another part waits until the
first is clear. There are special requirements for alarm
zones including the placing of manual call pointes (MCP)
at alarm zone exits. Alarm zones may contain several
detection zones but a detection zone should not contain
more than one alarm zone
Synchronised audible 16, 17 Where pulsed or flashing alarm signals are used they
and visual alert should stay in synchronisation. There are several
signals technical ways of achieving this and the individual alarm
devices should be certified to EN 54-3 or EN 54-23 as
appropriate
Parallel batteries 12.2.1 d) Where parallel batteries are used to achieve the standby
capacity required by the fire alarm system, then a fault
warning should be given in the event of one of the
batteries being disconnected
5. EQUIPMENT FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

In the above document we have given general guidance on how a specifier can ensure that
systems and equipment are appropriate and in compliance with national codes or laws.
However, there are some items of equipment that are unusual in that no standards exist or
where custom and practice often falls short of appropriate levels of system integrity. These
are listed below.
Fire repeaters and mimic panels

These items of equipment are used in various ways. At one extreme they may be used as
duplicate fire alarm panels, or as an alternative display method to assist local management in
the control of safety, or at the other extreme they may be used as a display for convenience
only. The equipment might take the form of a fire panel, as a small display unit, as a large
graphical display unit or as a printer.
If the repeater panel is essential for safety procedures, then it should comply with all of the
control and indication requirements of EN 54-2 and BS 5839-1 and there should be adequate
provision for standby power in the event of mains failure and at least duplicate signalling
paths to the main CIE, to ensure that it continues to operate in the event of a fault. Such a
repeater could be connected on a network loop, but a single spur would not comply, but
might be accepted as a variation. If the repeater becomes faulty or is disconnected, then a
fault indication should be given at the main or other CIE.
Where graphic display systems are used to simplify the user interface, the equipment should
comply with all of the requirements of BS 5839-1, or if the user is trained in the use of the
fire panel the standby duration of 24 hours might be reduced to three hours with an agreed
variation.
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Remote signalling systems
EN 54-21 is a harmonised standard for remote signalling equipment. Third-party approved
equipment is available. However, the telephone network is in the process of being changed
to digital technology (IP based) and as a result, some older equipment might not operate
correctly over the network. These issues are network-operator specific and are made worse
when the connection crosses two or more networks. To overcome these problems suppliers
have fitted dual path signalling systems and there is a current move towards IP systems.
Such systems work impressively well when there are no power faults or traffic issues on the
network but can become unpredictable during periods of peak traffic or if the mains power
supply is not available. BS 5839-1 recommends that a voice call is always used to supplement
automatic signalling where possible.
At this point in time there is no clear certified route to guarantee a reliable remote signalling
system. Therefore, suppliers should be able to demonstrate that they are aware of the
issues and are continually vigilant to ensure that the fire systems are operating at acceptable
response levels at all times.
BS 5839-1 acknowledges that it is common practice to use a security panel as the means of
communicating with the fire and rescue service. This will not comply with EN 54-21 but could
comply with BS 5839-1 if the standby power supply complies with the recommendations of
BS 5839-1 clause 25.4.
Where the transmission device is mounted remote from the fire panel, i.e. more than 50 mm
gap between them, the connection to the alarm transmission device should be monitored
as if it were part of the critical signal path. The monitoring can be from the CIE, if the
feature is provided, or via the remote transmission equipment. To comply with BS 5839-
1, the indication of faults (on the transmission path between the CIE and the transmission
equipment, or on the transmission equipment power supply, or an internal fault in the
transmission equipment, or the failure of the link to the ARC) must be shown on the CIE or
on the transmission equipment if it is mounted adjacent to the CIE.
Fire protection equipment

A huge range of equipment and systems fall into this general category and it is not always
possible or practical to use third-party assessed equipment and installation schemes.
The specifier should ensure that in such cases the requirements of the system are clearly
defined in a contract, and that the supplier is able to demonstrate that they have met the
requirements of the contract, using sound engineering practice. Independent third-party
assessment should be used wherever possible.
BS 7273-6 describes the interfacing of the fire alarm system to many types of fire protection
equipment that are not already covered by another part of the BS 7273 series. The other
parts of BS 7273 specify the interface to specific items of fire protection equipment. E.g. BS
7273-4 describes the interface to doors.
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Zone plans
Zone plans are essential in assisting the FRS to respond appropriately at times of crisis.
BS 5839-1 increased its emphasis on zone plans at the last review and specifiers need to
ensure that the requirement for the provision of suitable zone plans is clearly identified in
the contract. Where the level of detail or the form of the zone plan is uncertain, the local FRS
should be contacted to describe the level of detail they would expect on the specific site.
System documentation
BS 5839-1 clearly identifies the need for as-fitted drawings, logbooks and operation and
maintenance (O&M) manuals to be available throughout the life of a fire alarm system.
Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations and the EMC Directive also specifically require
system documentation for the system to be legally compliant.
The provision of suitable and sufficient documentation should be part of the system contract,
but it should also be made clear to premises management that they have a role in ensuring
that such documentation is kept safe, available and up to date to ensure that the system
remains compliant throughout its life. This is particularly important for fire engineered safety
solutions where the effective management plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the
safety system.
Where multi-sensor detectors are used in the fire alarm system, their performance is
dependent on the settings of the system as well as the device itself. BS 5839-1 now
recommends that the selection of detectors is documented in the O&M manuals to ensure
that the selection criteria is known throughout the life of the system. See BS 5839-1 Annex E
for more details.
6. OTHER STANDARDS
BS 5839-1 refers to a number of other standards which are applicable to fire protection
systems. Some standards such as BS 7273-4, BS 7273-6, BS 5839-6, 8 and 9 are codes of
practice and as such, compliance to such standards is via supplier declaration or third-
party assessment scheme – see below. Some standards such as EN 54-16 and EN 1155 are
equipment standards and so third-party assessment or an ETA is appropriate.
7. BAFE & LPCB INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEMES

The above guidance deals mainly with equipment approvals and specifications. For a system
to be reliable it must also be installed and maintained in a correct manner, and there are now
BAFE and LPCB approval schemes covering fire detection and extinguishing systems and fire
risk assessment. In addition, a requirement of FIA membership is that members should be
certified to ISO 9001.
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8. GLOSSARY
ARC Alarm Receiving Centre CoC Certificates of Conformity
CoP Certificate of Constancy of Performance CPD Construction Products Directive
CPR Construction Products Regulation
DoP Declaration of Performance
ETA European Technical Assessment
FRS Fire and Rescue Service
FSO Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
LVD Low Voltage Directive
EMCD ElectroMagnetic Compatibility Directive MCP Manual Call Point
OwR EN 54-2, Options with Requirements
9. REFERENCES
1. For further information on the CPR refer to the FIA Guidance Document – EU Construction
Products Regulation 305/2011.
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